Tips of the trade

How do you organize your workday? My iPhone and Outlook, along with coordinating with my staff each Monday morning

How do you manage the information flow? I still try to communicate the old fashioned way but admit it’s getting more and more difficult to do so.

How do you keep yourself current in your field? I keep close tabs on my competition. I read a lot of books on management (it’s a people business) and trade magazines, and, of course, the Business Journal.

Where is the best source for new ideas? The people around me

What was your best business idea? Creating a business development plan that empowers everyone in the company to get involved in the sales process

What was your best business decision? One summer wondering if I should drop out of college I decided to work as a construction laborer. Though honest work, digging ditches all summer made me realize staying in school was a really good business decision for Rick Lentz Inc.

Since then, there have been many throughout my career. I’ve always raised my hand when they asked for volunteers, or when not being asked I always looked for more responsibility. Not being afraid to fail has served me well.

Who is your mentor?Don Eichar, vice president of operations at Enterprise Building Corp., taught me an awful lot about the construction business. Dick Purdum, vice president of human resources at Enterprise, taught me about the fine art of managing people. Mel Cutler taught me the benefit and joy of giving back to those less fortunate.

Background check

What was your first real job? Not sure having a lawn business at the age of 11 counts, but the first paycheck and pockets full of tips came from the Kash n’ Karry store at Florida and Waters. I was a bagboy/stock clerk starting out at $1.50 per hour.

How did you get started in your current career? As a kid we built forts all over Wellswood. Guess it’s always been in my blood to build something.

What was a turning point in your life? Realizing that some dreams must be put aside as you journey through life.

What would you do if you weren’t doing what you do? Working for Field & Stream as a photojournalist

It’s Saturday morning at 11 a.m., where are you? Having coffee with my beautiful wife while watching our koi in the backyard pond, or kayaking/fishing the Hillsborough River

Who is the most influential person in your life? That’s easy my Mom and Dad, both now deceased. I have my Mom’s passion and compassion and my Dad’s never-give-up Marine Corps work ethic — the perfect combination for this business.

Who are your heroes in the business world? Anyone who conducts their business with integrity

What is your favorite business book? The one that got me really understanding people was “One Minute Manager”.

Who took a chance on you?Fred Mulligan, president of Cutler, when he hired me, a southern boy, to run their office here in Tampa. Cutler is based in Worcester, Mass.

Words to the wise

What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field? You may have a degree, but you really don’t know anything. Find a number of mentors, and remember, God gave you two ears and only one mouth for a reason. Now that your school is finished, it’s up to you to continue your education by self-teaching. And, of course, always remember figures don’t lie but liars sure can figure.

How do people do business with you? Respectively, it’s a two-way street.